Road Test: 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Six years ago, when its retro-styled FJ Cruiser first went on sale, Japan's Toyota was the best-selling import automaker here in Canada. The majority of those Toyota and luxury Lexus vehicles sold, though, were achingly conservative in nature, whether to look at or drive. It was almost like Toyota declared its showrooms "no fun" zones. But then the FJ off-roader arrived. Inspired by the iconic Land Cruiser FJ40 from the 1960s, the modern FJ was seen as a breath of fresh air for Toyota. Here was a vehicle overflowing with personality and purpose. And unlike Toyota's other iconic car, its Prius hybrid, the FJ Cruiser didn't pay much heed to things like technological refinement or saving fuel. A recall crisis and fresh competition has seen Korea's Hyundai-Kia Motors supplant Toyota Canada in the top foreign automaker spot, while an economic recession and general rise in fuel prices have hurt SUV sales. It's no surprise, then, that while almost 5,000 FJ Cruisers were sold in its first year on sale, Toyota Canada moved just under 700 copies of its SUV last year.And despite its near-$40,000 price, the FJ Cruiser won't win you over with a luxurious cabin — build quality is what you'd expect in an economy car, no doubt due to the FJ Cruiser's being forged from the body-on-frame chassis of the Toyota Tacoma truck, a vehicle that can be had for as little as $22,100. Seemingly to cater to the off-road crowd, the FJ's seats are water-repellent and its rubber floors can be hosed down. They appear Lego-like in feel, but at least the Toyota's oversized climate controls can be adjusted while you're wearing winter mitts. The Toyota's driving position is odd, though. Because of its combination of a truck chassis and low-profile roof, the driver and front passengers sit relatively low, with legs splayed out. There are other ergonomic problems created by the Toyota's retro looks. Because of its upright windshield, the FJ Cruiser's rear-view mirror feels kilometres away from the driver. You have to open the front doors first before you can open the rear doors for access in or out of its back seats. The massive rear C-pillars create a bigger blind spot than on a Rolls-Royce Phantom. And the spare tire further diminishes the view looking back through the bunker-like rear window. Let's just say that the rear parking sensors and back-up camera found in the Urban Package become a safety must. Despite being on sale since 2006, Toyota has applied only minor technological and powertrain updates. One way to freshen up the FJ would be to add an alternative engine option, like a diesel or hybrid. Instead, the Toyota SUV continues to be available solely with a conventional 4.0-litre V6. With 260 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque, the FJ's mill is competitive with six cylinders in the Xterra (261 hp/281 lb.-ft.) and Wrangler Unlimited (285 hp/260 lb.-ft.). The base FJ's manual transmission allows only four-wheel drive all the time. While the optional autobox, as found in my tester, allows both rear- and four-wheel drive, and the ability to switch on the fly. At least the Toyota's economy ratings are slightly better than the competition. The FJ scores 12.4 L/100 km in the city, and 9.5 on the highway, compared to the thirstier Nissan (14.5/10.1), and Jeep (13.2/10.0). I tallied a 12.8 rating in my week with the retro-SUV. Considering how tall and square the FJ Cruiser presents itself to the wind, its mid-seven-second 0-100 km/h acceleration time is respectable. I've had the chance to drive the Toyota SUV over rocks and through water holes, and generally treat it like a mule; like its legendary predecessor, the modern FJ can handle severe off-roading adventures. It's definitely no mamby-pamby, car-based cute-ute. Off the beaten path — with its generous ground clearance, short front and rear overhangs, and lengthy suspension travel — I can see why off-roading enthusiasts have adopted the FJ as a favourite child. If not as nimble as the Wrangler, it feels just as unbreakable. The benefit on-road is a pillow-like ride over poorly maintained Canadian pavement, swallowing potholes like a slot machine eats quarters. Of course (and I think you know where I'm heading next) with only one suspension setting — soft — the FJ is not as accomplished on beaten paths. At speed, it rolls like a bowling ball in corners. Noise from the nearly vertical windshield, over-sized tires, and body is ever-present. And the non-independent rear suspension can hop and shudder over sharp pavement cracks. If you're a driving enthusiast, you better stick to one of those mamby-pamby, car-based cute-utes. Despite its rough edges and Toyota's lack of product development (like where's the soft-top version?), the FJ Cruiser is still a unique proposition. Like other modern reinterpretations of older cars, (i.e. Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Beetle), the old school Toyota SUV still stands out in a sea of copycat sedans and crossovers. Sacrifices in on-road driving refinement, visibility, and cabin comfort must be noted, though. And for those who need four real doors, the 4Runner *with which the FJ shares its chassis) is a more practical (if more costly) alternative. But for the remaining few customers who appreciate the SUV's fundamental off-road prowess and distinctive image, there's still nothing on (or off) the road like the FJ Cruiser. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser WHAT I LIKED: Unique looks; very capable off-road; comfortable ride, WHAT I DIDN'T: Interior suffers serious ergonomic flaws; lacks alternative powertrains and body styles; rivals offer more features for less money. Base price/as-tested: $32,725/$38,745 Type of vehicle: 4WD, midsize SUV Engines: 4.0L, DOHC, 24-valve V6 Horsepower/Torque: 260 hp / 271 lb.-ft. Transmission: Five-speed automatic (Std: six-speed manual) Fuel consumption (city/hwy/as-tested): 12.4/9.5/12.8 L/100 km Competition: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Nissan Xterra, Toyota 4Runner

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